Dental guard

ABSTRACT

A custom-fitted dental appliance prevents grinding contact between upper and lower teeth of a wearer. The appliance includes a base member having a generally U-shaped horizontal portion with opposing posterior sections and an anterior section disposed between the posterior sections. The anterior section has an arcuate curvature substantially matching the curvature of the dental arch of most wearers. The base member has a vertical portion connected to a forward edge of the horizontal portion. The vertical portion of the base member has an arcuate curvature substantially following the curvature of the anterior section. The appliance includes over-molded molar pads that are bonded to the upper surfaces of the posterior sections of the base member. An over-molded anterior flange is bonded to the vertical portion of the base member. In preferred embodiments, the anterior flange has a pair of opposing vertical notches for accommodating the upper canine teeth of the wearer. The molar pads and the anterior flange are formed from a thermoplastic material having a Vicat softening temperature below that of the base member. After heating the appliance to above the softening temperature of the over-molded portions, the molar pads and anterior flange may be custom fitted to the upper teeth and gums of the wearer.

FIELD

This invention relates to the field of dental appliances. More particularly, this invention relates to a dental guard for prevention of the grinding of teeth associated with Bruxism.

BACKGROUND

Bruxism is clenching and/or grinding of the teeth caused by the activation of a reflex chewing activity. Bruxism can cause chips and cracks in the teeth and wear of the biting surface. Bruxism typically occurs during sleep. In a typical case, the canines and incisors move laterally against each other, thereby causing abrasion of tooth enamel, removal of the sharp biting surfaces and flattening of the edges of the teeth. Sometimes, there is a tendency to grind the molars together, which can be loud enough to wake a sleeping partner. In some cases, clenching occurs without significant lateral jaw movement.

Although dental guards exist for preventing Bruxism, prior guards have not provided a comfortable fit in the wearer's mouth. Due to discomfort associated with prior guards, many Bruxism sufferers have given up on the use of guards to treat the problem during sleep.

What is needed is a custom-fitted dental guard to prevent Bruxism that is comfortable enough to be worn overnight by persons of all ages.

SUMMARY

The above and other needs are met by a dental appliance for preventing grinding contact between upper and lower teeth of a wearer. In preferred embodiments, the appliance includes a base member having a generally U-shaped horizontal portion and a substantially vertical portion. The U-shaped portion includes opposing first and second posterior sections for positioning between upper and lower molars of the wearer, and an anterior section disposed between the first and second posterior sections. The anterior section has an arcuate curvature substantially matching the curvature of the dental arch of most wearers. The vertical portion of the base member, which is connected to a forward edge of the anterior section of the horizontal portion, has an arcuate curvature substantially following the curvature of the anterior section of the horizontal portion.

The appliance includes first and second molar pads that are bonded to the upper surfaces of the first and second posterior sections of the base member horizontal portion. The first and second molar pads are formed from a thermoplastic material, such as an ethylene vinyl acetate, having a Vicat softening temperature below that of the base member.

The appliance also includes a substantially vertical anterior flange that is bonded to the vertical portion of the base member. In preferred embodiments, the anterior flange has a pair of substantially vertical notches for accommodating the upper canine teeth of the wearer. Like the molar pads, the anterior flange is formed from a thermoplastic material having a Vicat softening temperature below that of the base member.

In some preferred embodiments, the horizontal portion of the base member includes one or more horizontal notches for accommodating horizontal flexure of the base member.

In some embodiments, the outer surface of each of the first and second molar pads has trim template lines molded therein. These template lines may be used to provide for symmetrical trimming of the molar pads and posterior sections of the base member to achieve a customized fit.

In preferred embodiments, the posterior sections of the base member include adhesion-enhancement features molded therein. The adhesion-enhancement features may include central features for enhancing adhesion of the molar pads to the base member during an injection over-molding process. The adhesion-enhancement features may also include peripheral features for enhancing adhesion of molar pad material that is extruded during the process of fitting the dental appliance to the wearer.

The base member of the dental appliance is preferably constructed from a material having a Vicat softening temperature of at least about 65° C., and the molar pads and anterior flange are constructed from a material having a Vicat softening temperature of less than about 46° C.

Preferably, the molar pads and anterior flange are bonded to the base member by injection over-molding. To accommodate the flow of material during the injection over-molding process, the horizontal portion of the base member includes material-flow channels extending between the vertical portion of the base member and the opposing posterior sections of the base member. These channels allow the over-mold material to flow from the anterior flange to the molar pads during the injection molding process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages of the invention are apparent by reference to the detailed description in conjunction with the figures, wherein elements are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1E depict a dental appliance constructed according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2A-2B depict a base member of a dental appliance constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 3A-3E depict a dental appliance constructed according to a second embodiment of the invention; and

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict exploded views of dental appliances constructed according to first and second embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A-1E, 2A-2B and 4A depict a dental guard appliance 10 constructed in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 3A-3E, 2A-2B and 4B depict a dental guard appliance 10 constructed in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention. According to both embodiments, the appliance 10 comprises a generally U-shaped base member 12, first and second over-molded molar pads 14 a and 14 b, and an over-molded anterior flange 16. Preferably, the base member 12 is formed by injection molding a first thermoplastic resin into a base mold cavity. The molded base member 12 is then placed into a second mold cavity into which is injected a second thermoplastic resin that bonds to the base member 12 and forms the over-molded features 14 a-14 b and 16.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the base member 12 of both embodiments comprises a generally flat horizontal portion 12 a and a vertical peripheral portion 12 b. The horizontal portion 12 a includes opposing first and second posterior sections 13 a and 13 b which, when the appliance 10 is in the wearer's mouth, are positioned between the upper and lower molars. Between the first and second posterior sections 13 a-13 b is an anterior section 13 c having an arcuate curvature that substantially matches the curvature of the dental arch of the wearer.

The base member 12 is preferably injection molded from a thermoplastic material having a Vicat softening temperature of at least about 65° C., which is significantly higher than the temperature to which the appliance 10 is raised during the fitting procedure. In the preferred embodiment, the base member 12 is formed from an ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer, such as Elvaloy® 1209 (70° C. Vicat softening point, 98 Shore A hardness) or Elvaloy® 1609 (70° C. Vicat softening point, 97 Shore A hardness), both of which are manufactured by Dupont™.

In an alternative embodiment, the base member 12 may be formed from a 50-50 blend of Dupont™ Elvax® 750, which is an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer, and Pellethane® 2103-70A, which is a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU). In yet another alternative embodiment, the base member 12 may be formed from a non-blended EVA material, such as Dupont™ Elvax® 470 (68° C. Vicat softening temperature, 90 Shore A hardness, 18% vinyl acetate) or Dupont™ Elvax® 650Q (65° C. Vicat softening temperature, 93 Shore A hardness, 12% vinyl acetate). In these alternative embodiments, the hardness of the base member 12 may be decreased by increasing the percentage of TPU, such as Pellethane® 2103-70A (75° C. Vicat softening temperature, 70 Shore A hardness) or Desmopan® KU 2-8670 (70 Shore A hardness). The hardness may be increased by addition of a polyethylene (PE) material.

In the preferred embodiment, the posterior sections 13 a-13 b of the horizontal portion 12 a of the base member 12 include a set of molded central adhesion-enhancement features 28 a and 28 b that increase the shear adhesion of the over-molded molar pads 14 a-14 b. These features 28 a-28 b prevent the molar pads 14 a-14 b from detaching from the base member 12 when the pads 14 a-14 b are exposed to shear stresses associated with the grinding lateral movement of molar teeth.

Surrounding the central adhesion-enhancement features 28 a-28 b are a set of molded peripheral cylindrical features 22 a and 22 b. During the fitting process, the over-molded molar pads 14 a-14 b are squeezed between the base member 12 and the downwardly-pressing molars. This causes the softened material of the molar pads 14 a-14 b to extrude outward beyond the central features 28 a-28 b and onto the peripheral features 22 a-22 b. When the molar pads 14 a-14 b cool after the fitting process, the peripheral features 22 a-22 b serve to enhance adhesion of the extruded edge portions of the molar pads 14 a-14 b to the peripheral portions of the base member 12.

With continued reference to FIG. 2A, the upper surface of the horizontal portion 12 a of the base member 12 includes a pair of channels 30 a and 30 b that allow the over-mold thermoplastic material to flow between the anterior flange 16 and the molar-pads 14 a-14 b during the process of injection molding the over-molded portions.

The horizontal portion 12 a of the base member 12 includes horizontal notches 20 a, 20 b and 20 c extending from an inner edge of the horizontal portion 12 a to points adjacent the inner surface of the vertical peripheral portion 12 b. These notches 20 a-20 c allow the base member 12 to flex in the horizontal plane without distortion of the horizontal portion 12 a, thereby providing a comfortable fit in mouths of various sizes.

As shown in FIGS. 1A-1E and 4A, one embodiment of the over-molded anterior flange 16 includes several substantially vertical notches 24, 26 a and 26 b in the upper edge of the flange 16. The notches 26 a-26 b accommodate the wearer's canine teeth and surrounding gum tissue, and the notch 24 accommodates the connecting tissue that extends between the wearer's upper lip and gum. During the fitting process, the softened over-mold material conforms to the shape of the wearer's mouth in these regions, thereby further enhancing comfort. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the vertical peripheral portion 12 b of the base member 12 includes notches 34 a, 34 b and 36 to accommodate the over-mold material that forms the notches 26 a, 26 b and 24, respectively.

The over-molded portions of the dental appliance 10, including the molar pads 14 a-14 b and the anterior flange 16, are preferably injection molded from a thermoplastic material having a Vicat softening temperature of less than about 46° C., which is lower than the temperature to which the appliance 10 is raised during the fitting procedure. Although the invention is not limited to any particular formulation of the over-molded portions, the over-molded portions of preferred embodiments are formed from a material comprising at least about 35% vinyl acetate (by weight). For example, the over-molded portions may be formed from one or more of the following ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) materials: DuPont™ Elvax® 150 (36° C. Vicat softening point, 73 Shore A hardness, 32% vinyl acetate); Ateva® 3325AC (68 Shore A hardness, 33% vinyl acetate); Ateva® 2604A (46° C. Vicat softening point, 84 Shore A hardness, 26% vinyl acetate); and Elvax® 240 (40° C. Vicat softening point, 78 Shore A hardness, 28% vinyl acetate). In one preferred embodiment, the over-molded portions are formed from a resin comprising a mixture of two ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers: AT Plastics Aetva® (40% vinyl acetate) and Elvax® 150 (33% vinyl acetate).

In the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIGS. 3A-3E and 4B, the base member 12 is preferably identical to the base member 12 of the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1A-1D and 4A. However, the molar pads 14 a-b and the anterior flange 16 of the embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3E and 4B are different in several respects. First, the molar pads 14 a-b are longer, such that the front edges of the molar pads 14 a-b reach to a point adjacent or touching the rear edges of the anterior flange 16. Second, the upper surface of the molar pads 14 a-b are angled with respect to the upper surface of the horizontal portion 12 a of the base member 12. The angle of the upper surface of the molar pads 14 a-b is designed to provide more over-mold material toward the rear of the molar pads 14 a-b. This accommodates the larger surface area of the molars and the greater pressure exerted by the molars on the molar pads 14 a-b. Third, the anterior flange 16 of this embodiment is not notched in the area of the upper canines. Even without canine notches, the softened over-mold material of the anterior flange 16 conforms itself to the shape of the wearer's teeth and gums in the region surrounding the upper canines during the fitting process.

To customize the fit of the dental guard appliance 10, the wearer may adjust the overall length by trimming away portions of the rear edges of the posterior portions 13 a-13 b of the base member 12 and the molar pads 14 a-14 b. To accommodate the trimming operation, the molar pads 14 a-14 b of a preferred embodiment include a series of impressions that serve as trim template lines 38. By trimming along corresponding lines 38 on either side, the wearer can be assured of achieving a symmetrical fit. As shown in FIG. 3E, the lower surface of the horizontal portion 12 a of the base member 12 may also include trim template lines 40 to assist in the trimming process.

To determine how much of the posterior portions 13 a-b should be trimmed away, the wearer positions the appliance 10 in the wearer's mouth and closes down the teeth on the appliance 10. If the arch (U-shape) of the appliance 10 is too wide or too narrow, the wearer may stretch or squeeze the guard to match the shape of the wearer's mouth. The optimal fit is when all of the wearer's teeth are sitting on the appliance 10 comfortably. If the posterior portions 13 a-b of the appliance 10 extend beyond the wearer's rear-most molars and cause discomfort, the wearer can trim them along the trim lines 38. At first, the wearer should trim at the first line 38 from the rear and check the fit of the appliance 10 again. If it is still is not comfortable, the wearer may trim at the second trim line 38, keeping in mind that all teeth should be in contact with the appliance 10. This process can be continued until the appliance 10 feels comfortable and all teeth are cushioned by the appliance 10.

To custom fit the appliance 10 to the teeth and gums of the wearer, the appliance 10 is first immersed in boiling water for about 60 seconds so that the thermoplastic material of the molar pads 14 a-14 b and anterior flange 16 reaches a temperature that is above its softening temperature. To bring the temperature of the appliance to a point that can be comfortably withstood by the oral tissue of the wearer, the appliance 10 should be dipped in a container of cool water for about one second. The appliance 10 is then inserted into and symmetrically aligned within the oral cavity so that all of the wearer's teeth are in contact with the appliance 10. The wearer next applies firm pressure to seat the upper molars on the molar pads 14 a-14 b, and then applies biting pressure to imbed the molars into the molar pads 14 a-14 b. The biting pressure causes little, if any, deformation of the material of the base member 12 because the softening temperature of the base material is not reached during the heating step. Using his/her fingers, the wearer should press in along the gum line on both sides of the appliance 10 from the front to the rear using equal amounts of pressure. This forms the softened over-mold material of the molar pads 14 a-b and the flange up and around the wearer's teeth. The wearer may also suck in to remove excess moisture and create a suction that allows the appliance 10 to stay in place comfortably. Once the wearer feels that a comfortable fit has been achieved, the appliance 10 should be placed in a container of cold water for about 30 seconds to “set” the over-mold material. Upon cooling, the material of the molar pads 14 a-14 b retains the impression of the upper molars, and the anterior flange 16 retains the shape of the gums and inner oral tissue of the wearer's upper lip. The result is a custom-fitted reusable dental appliance that may be comfortably worn during sleep to prevent Bruxism.

The foregoing description of preferred embodiments for this invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled. 

1. A dental appliance for preventing grinding contact between upper and lower teeth of a wearer, the appliance comprising: a base member comprising: a generally U-shaped horizontal portion having: opposing first and second posterior sections for positioning between upper and lower molars of the wearer; and an anterior section disposed between the first and second posterior sections, the anterior section having an arcuate curvature substantially matching the curvature of the dental arch of the wearer; and a substantially vertical portion connected to a forward edge of the anterior section of the horizontal portion, the vertical portion having an arcuate curvature substantially following the curvature of the anterior section of the horizontal portion; first and second molar pads, each bonded to an upper surface of a corresponding one of the first and second posterior sections of the horizontal portion of the base member, the first and second molar pads formed from a thermoplastic material having a Vicat softening temperature below that of the base member; and a substantially vertical anterior flange bonded to the vertical portion of the base member, the anterior flange having a pair of opposing and substantially vertical notches for accommodating upper canine teeth of the wearer, the anterior flange formed from a thermoplastic material having a Vicat softening temperature below that of the base member.
 2. The dental appliance of claim 1 wherein the horizontal portion of the base member includes one or more horizontal notches for accommodating horizontal flexure of the base member.
 3. The dental appliance of claim 1 wherein an outer surface of each of the first and second molar pads has trim template lines molded therein.
 4. The dental appliance of claim 1 wherein the base member further comprises adhesion-enhancement features molded into the upper surface of the first and second posterior sections of the horizontal portion of the base member.
 5. The dental appliance of claim 4 wherein the adhesion-enhancement features include central features for enhancing adhesion of the molar pads to the base member during an injection over-molding process, and peripheral features for enhancing adhesion of molar pad material extruded during a process of fitting the dental appliance to the wearer.
 6. The dental appliance of claim 1 wherein the base member is constructed from a material having a Vicat softening temperature of at least about 65° C.
 7. The dental appliance of claim 1 wherein the first and second molar pads and anterior flange are constructed from a material having a Vicat softening temperature of less than about 46° C.
 8. The dental appliance of claim 1 wherein the first and second molar pads and anterior flange are bonded to the base member by injection over-molding.
 9. The dental appliance of claim 1 wherein the horizontal portion of the base member includes: a first material-flow channel extending between the vertical portion of the base member and the first posterior section of the base member; and a second material-flow channel extending between the vertical portion of the base member and the second posterior section of the base member, where the first and second material-flow channels accommodate flow of thermoplastic material between the anterior flange and the first and second molar pads during an injection over-molding operation.
 10. The dental appliance of claim 1 wherein an upper surface of each of the first and second molar pads is disposed at an angle relative to the horizontal portion of the base member.
 11. A dental appliance for preventing grinding contact between upper and lower teeth of a wearer, the appliance comprising: a base member comprising: a generally U-shaped horizontal portion having: opposing first and second posterior sections for positioning between upper and lower molars of the wearer; an anterior section disposed between the first and second posterior sections, the anterior section having an arcuate curvature substantially matching the curvature of the dental arch of the wearer; and one or more horizontal notches for accommodating horizontal flexure of the base member; and a substantially vertical portion connected to a forward edge of the anterior section of the horizontal portion, the vertical portion having an arcuate curvature substantially following the curvature of the anterior section of the horizontal portion; first and second molar pads, each bonded to an upper surface of a corresponding one of the first and second posterior sections of the horizontal portion of the base member, the first and second molar pads formed from a thermoplastic material having a Vicat softening temperature below that of the base member; and a substantially vertical anterior flange bonded to the vertical portion of the base member, the anterior flange formed from a thermoplastic material having a Vicat softening temperature below that of the base member.
 12. The dental appliance of claim 11 wherein an outer surface of each of the first and second molar pads has trim template lines molded therein.
 13. The dental appliance of claim 11 wherein the base member further comprises adhesion-enhancement features molded into the upper surface of the first and second posterior sections of the horizontal portion of the base member.
 14. The dental appliance of claim 13 wherein the adhesion-enhancement features include central features for enhancing adhesion of the molar pads to the base member during an injection over-molding process, and peripheral features for enhancing adhesion of molar pad material extruded during a process of fitting the dental appliance to the wearer.
 15. The dental appliance of claim 11 wherein the base member is constructed from a material having a Vicat softening temperature of at least about 65° C.
 16. The dental appliance of claim 11 wherein the first and second molar pads and anterior flange are constructed from a material having a Vicat softening temperature of less than about 46° C.
 17. The dental appliance of claim 11 wherein the first and second molar pads and anterior flange are bonded to the base member by injection over-molding.
 18. The dental appliance of claim 11 wherein the horizontal portion of the base member includes: a first material-flow channel extending between the vertical portion of the base member and the first posterior section of the base member; and a second material-flow channel extending between the vertical portion of the base member and the second posterior section of the base member, where the first and second material-flow channels accommodate flow of thermoplastic material between the anterior flange and the first and second molar pads during an injection over-molding operation.
 19. The dental appliance of claim 11 wherein an upper surface of each of the first and second molar pads is disposed at an angle relative to the horizontal portion of the base member.
 20. A dental appliance for preventing grinding contact between upper and lower teeth of a wearer, the appliance comprising: a base member comprising: a generally U-shaped horizontal portion having: opposing first and second posterior sections for positioning between upper and lower molars of the wearer; an anterior section disposed between the first and second posterior sections, the anterior section having an arcuate curvature substantially matching the curvature of the dental arch of the wearer; and adhesion-enhancement features molded into an upper surface of the first and second posterior sections for enhancing adhesion of over-molded material; and a substantially vertical portion connected to a forward edge of the anterior section of the horizontal portion, the vertical portion having an arcuate curvature substantially following the curvature of the anterior section of the horizontal portion; first and second molar pads, each bonded to the upper surface of a corresponding one of the first and second posterior sections of the horizontal portion of the base member, the first and second molar pads formed from a thermoplastic material having a Vicat softening temperature below that of the base member; and a substantially vertical anterior flange bonded to the vertical portion of the base member, the anterior flange formed from a thermoplastic material having a Vicat softening temperature below that of the base member.
 21. The dental appliance of claim 20 wherein the adhesion-enhancement features include central features for enhancing adhesion of the molar pads to the base member during an injection over-molding process, and peripheral features for enhancing adhesion of molar pad material extruded during a process of fitting the dental appliance to the wearer.
 22. The dental appliance of claim 20 wherein the anterior flange includes a pair of opposing and substantially vertical notches for accommodating upper canine teeth of the wearer.
 23. The dental appliance of claim 20 wherein an outer surface of each of the first and second molar pads has trim template lines molded therein.
 24. The dental appliance of claim 20 wherein the base member is constructed from a material having a Vicat softening temperature of at least about 65° C.
 25. The dental appliance of claim 20 wherein the first and second molar pads and anterior flange are constructed from a material having a Vicat softening temperature of less than about 46° C.
 26. The dental appliance of claim 20 wherein the first and second molar pads and anterior flange are bonded to the base member by injection over-molding.
 27. The dental appliance of claim 20 wherein the horizontal portion of the base member includes: a first material-flow channel extending between the vertical portion of the base member and the first posterior section of the base member; and a second material-flow channel extending between the vertical portion of the base member and the second posterior section of the base member, where the first and second material-flow channels accommodate flow of thermoplastic material between the anterior flange and the first and second molar pads during an injection over-molding operation.
 28. The dental appliance of claim 20 wherein an upper surface of each of the first and second molar pads is disposed at an angle relative to the horizontal portion of the base member.
 29. A dental appliance for preventing grinding contact between upper and lower teeth of a wearer, the appliance comprising: a base member formed from a resin having a Vicat softening temperature of at least about 65° C.; and molar pads and an anterior flange over-molded on the base member, the molar pads and anterior flange formed from a resin comprising an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer having at least about 35% by weight vinyl acetate. 